We are re-introducing the classic game mode Capture the Flag to Battlefield players with End Game. In this in-depth post, learn all about how this high-speed flag hunt is the perfect fit for the all-new dirt bike.

One of the new game modes in End Game is our unique Battlefield take on Capture the Flag. Click for full size.

For seasoned first person shooter players, Capture the Flag is a classic game mode. Two teams fight for control over the enemy’s flag and need to capture it to score a point. Now, we are very happy to present our Battlefield take on this exciting mode in End Game – further broadening our range of available gameplay experiences.

The all-new End Game dirt bike is without a doubt the star of this game mode. It’s the perfect getaway vehicle for when you’ve snatched the enemy flag and need to wheelie back to your home base. The addition of a passenger seat means you can have some protection while boosting away from your pursuers.

“The new dirt bike is without a doubt
the star of Capture the Flag”

The mission in Capture the Flag might sound deceptively simple: Hike from your starting base to the enemy base and capture their flag, then bring it home to score a point. The only problem is the enemy is trying to do the same to you – and if your own flag is no longer at your base, you are not allowed to score. This calls for a well-balanced mix of defense and lightning quick offense if you are to have a chance at scoring at all.

Capturing a flag is instantaneous. Just run over it to snatch it, then make it back home to score. Recovering your own flag that an enemy has dropped is not so simple, though. Rather, it is similar to how you would capture a base in Conquest. There’s a timer ticking down once you are within capture radius, and the time it takes to recover the flag is directly affected by how many friendly soldiers you have in the flag’s capture radius. Once it’s recovered, it will be automatically placed back home in your base again.

Once you’ve captured the enemy flag, it’s carried on the back of your infantry soldier or attached to your vehicle. While we love the fast and agile dirt bike, you will always have to weigh its speed against its low safety against enemy fire. If you would prefer a slower but more armored ride home, we’d recommend a jeep or tank instead – but whatever ride you choose, you will always be asked to make that judgment call whether speed or armor is your top priority at any given time.

Make a quick getaway with the all-new dirt bike once you’ve snatched the enemy flag.

Gameplay-wise, Capture the Flag is highly dynamic with exactly two hot spots that can change at any time: The position of your home flag and the position of the enemy flag. For example, there’s no reason at all to hang back at your base if your own flag isn’t there anymore. You either protect your flag, snatch it back, or grab the enemy flag. Those are the only strategically sound actions you can take in a round of Capture the Flag. Coupled with the mobile nature of both flags, this means that firefights can suddenly erupt anywhere across the map and then suddenly change location again.

We hope you will enjoy this new addition to the available Battlefield 3 game modes come March (If you’re an old-time Battlefield fan you might remember we also had Capture the Flag already in Battlefield 1942, available as a free download from Origin). Stay tuned for more in-depth blog posts on End Game in the weeks leading up to launch.

Battlefield 3: End Game is out this March. You can purchase it separately for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 – or get it two weeks early at no extra charge if you become a Battlefield 3: Premium member.

Battlefield 3: End Game brings the battle to four distinct environments featuring everything from arid desert landscapes to snowy mountain areas. Learn more about the map variety on offer below.

Four distinct maps are on offer in End Game. Size-wise, they are comparable to Caspian Border and Operation Firestorm from the base game, while the flag layout resembles that in our previous expansion pack Armored Kill – Meaning that we have spaced the capture points and bases to make full use of the entire Battlefield.

While all maps are carefully created to cater for the new dirt bike, the new AA vehicles should see heavy use on most of the maps as well. This new transport has a roof mounted turret that can switch between rockets and anti-air missiles to protect your infantry and combat air threats.

OPERATION RIVERSIDEInternal working title: “XP5_001” or River”Supported game modes:Capture the Flag (NEW), Air Superiority (NEW), Conquest, Rush, Squad Rush, Team Deathmatch, Squad DeathmatchDistinguishing features: This fall themed map houses an electric power substation at its center, with a small river flowing along its axis. The layout of the bases in Operation Riverside caters somewhat towards infantry action rather than all-out vehicle warfare. It’s generally speaking an infantry-friendly landscape where soldiers can go by foot between the bases, while ground vehicles need to take more roundabout roads to traverse the environment.

Across the river giving this map its name, players can find a spectacular jump in the form of a partly destroyed wooden bridge. A lot of other ramps have been carefully placed in the environment on Operation Riverside to make sure that the map is full of exciting options for riders of the new dirt bike. You can read more about the spectacular jumps in End Game in this previous blog post.

NEBANDAN FLATSInternal working title: “XP5_002” or “Flats”Supported game modes:Capture the Flag (NEW), Air Superiority (NEW), Conquest, Rush, Squad Rush, Team Deathmatch, Squad DeathmatchDistinguishing features: In this arid desert dotted with gigantic wind generators lies a seemingly non-distinguishing warehouse. But behind its unassuming exterior hides a secret weapons and munitions depot, leading to a clash in the area. The relative openness of the desert setting allows for full freedom of movement for the entire range of vehicles at disposal in Battlefield 3 multiplayer. The low amount of natural cover available also demands quick transportation between capture points, as players are otherwise open to attack.

KIASAR RAILROADInternal working title: “XP5_003” or “Railroad”Supported game modes:Capture the Flag (NEW), Air Superiority (NEW), Conquest, Rush, Squad Rush, Team Deathmatch, Squad DeathmatchDistinguishing features: This picturesque summer logging industry setting sees a strategic railway stretch across the map – with covert weapons deliveries being its main purpose. The many height changes in this undulating landscape can be used to your advantage – There’s plenty of opportunity to hide from the enemy and use cover as you approach your targets.

While this map also has ample opportunity for dirt bike riders to catch big air, the jumps on Kiasar Railroad are typically more carefully molded into the landscape itself, or not as obvious.

SABALAN PIPELINEInternal working title: “XP5_004” or “Pipeline”Supported game modes:Capture the Flag (NEW), Air Superiority (NEW), Conquest, Rush, Squad Rush, Team Deathmatch, Squad DeathmatchDistinguishing features: Ever since we demoed the Alborz Mountain map at GamesCom 2012 and saw the amazing fan reactions, we’ve known that snow is one of the most stunning settings we can provide in Battlefield 3. Sabalan Pipeline is no different. The oil pipeline traversing this frosty winter landscape has immense economic value and is a highly contested battlefield.

Similar to Operation Riverside, Sabalan Pipeline was built to cater for a mix of vehicle and infantry gameplay. Compared to the other three maps in End Game, Sabalan Pipeline has fewer and narrower roads that are important to control if you want to dominate the opposition. At the center of this map lies a central base that is also an essential asset, as it allows you extended control over the road leading to and from your main bases. This is equally important whether playing the signature Battlefield Conquest mode or our take on Capture the Flag that we are introducing in End Game.

We’re excited to present our players with such a broad variety of environments to expand their Battlefield experience with come March. Join us here on the Battlefield Blog for more breaking news on End Game up until launch. Let us know what you think in the poll and comments section below, and we’ll make sure to check in and discuss with you!

As I can't resist the dirt bike addition I am going to have to play BF3 once again.
I can't wait for this. The hell with the EULA, this is way to great to pass up.
I used to ride dirt dikes back in the day and remember my 82 Yammy YZ125 well. Mellow Yellow was her name, motocross was her fame. That bike was a legend in it's own time back then.
I hope BF3 can captue some of the realism catching air or the feeling of the torque trying so hard to pull you right off the bike on a hard launch. One needed good upper body strength to really ride those bikes, along with mucho flexability. This should be good.

In the mean time, I'm starting to collect BB and Pellet pistols, (good ones, no junk kids stuff).
And it's a lot less expensive and less hassle than shooting my real iron.It's a great tune up and psyche for BF3. Makes me want to play again.